Acme Markets’ future is looking much brighter than it did before Jim Perkins took over as president in March 2013. At 108 stores, the 123 year old company has a smaller store count, but a new energy thanks to Perkins and its new owner Albertson’s Inc.“Our mission is to drive sales first,” Perkins told the Mid-Atlantic Food Trades Organization (MAFTO) during its fall meeting last month in King of Prussia. “We want our market share back.”

While the old Acme had to go through SUPERVALU’S headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota for its decisions, the new Acme is free from the bureaucracy, notes Perkins.Acme’s focus on fresh and service are paying off. The company has lowered prices, worked to provide cleaner stores, superior service, offer better sales, higher quality products and be a better community partner.“We think we can compete with anyone in the marketplace. Our customers tell us that,” Perkins said.

Who better to get the word out to its customers, than its own people. Acme is using its associates in commercials. Many have a long tenure with the company and show passion, energy and heart that shows in the new ads.

“It’s fun when people come up to you in the store,” Perkins said. “Everybody’s happy.”Acme’s commitment to quality has resulted in new products, such as its Lancaster Brand Beef, which is 100 percent choice beef. The brand was relaunched this summer and its cut fresh daily. In addition, Acme launched its Fresh or Free campaign .“If you don’t like it, bring it back and we’ll give you another. If you still don’t like it, we’ll give you your money back,” he said.

Its bakery departments are baking items daily in the store and associates are attending classes to provide bakery expertise in every store.Acme signed on as the official supermarket of the Philadelphia Eagles. Shoppers who wear Eagles gear on game days receive 5 percent off their order.The company is also striving to be a better community partner. They’ve donated to Philabundance, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, St. Joseph’s University and many other community organizations.“If you want to be local, you need to be involved in the local community, Perkins said.Perkins said Acme continues its transformation path, including investing in new stores and closing stores that aren’t profitable.